Basketball goal return net and mounting system

ABSTRACT

One embodiment of the present invention includes a basketball goal return net and a mounting system for mounting the basketball return net to a basketball goal assembly. The mounting system may be used with various styles and sizes of basketball goal assemblies. The mounting system secures a net to a basketball goal assembly. The system suspends the net and may also inhibit side-to-side or lateral movement. In certain embodiments, an elongate member passes through a sleeve of the return net, the sleeve being formed at the top of the return net. The mounting system includes one or more straps extending from the net and attachable to a hoop mount. The straps can be attached adjacent ends of the elongate member to the outer surface of the sleeve or directly to the elongate member. The straps are preferably attached at a middle portion or opposing end to the hoop mount. The net serves to capture and/or return a basketball to a thrower.

This application claims priority to Provisional Application No.60/709,295, filed Aug. 18, 2005, which is incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present system relates to basketball return nets, and in particulara basketball goal return net and method of mounting.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A training aid for certain basketball goals is a net to catch and returnor urge a basketball towards a user. Such nets typically are locatedbelow a basketball goal hoop, and may be slanted forward. An improvedsystem and method for attaching a basketball goal return net to abasketball goal system is desired.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the present invention includes a basketball goalreturn net and a mounting system for mounting the basketball return netto a basketball goal assembly. The mounting system may be used withvarious styles and sizes of basketball goal assemblies. The mountingsystem secures a net to a basketball goal assembly. The system suspendsthe net and may also inhibit side-to-side or lateral movement. Incertain embodiments, an elongate member passes through a sleeve of thereturn net, the sleeve being formed at the top of the return net. Themounting system includes one or more straps extending from the net andattachable to a hoop mount. The straps can be attached adjacent ends ofthe elongate member to the outer surface of the sleeve or directly tothe elongate member. The straps are preferably attached at a middleportion or opposing end to the hoop mount. The net serves to captureand/or return a basketball to a thrower.

Further objects, features and advantages of the present invention shallbecome apparent from the detailed drawings and descriptions providedherein. Each embodiment described herein is not intended to addressevery object described herein, and each embodiment does not include eachfeature described. Some or all of these features may be present in thecorresponding independent or dependent claims, but should not beconstrued to be a limitation unless expressly recited in a particularclaim.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a basketball goal assembly, along with abasketball goal return net and mounting system, according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the basketball goal return net andmounting system according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded front view of the basketball goal return netmounting system according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the mounting system accordingto an alternate embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective of an alternate embodiment of a basketball goalreturn net and mounting system.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated inthe drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. Itwill nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of theinvention is thereby intended, such alterations and furthermodifications in the illustrated device, and such further applicationsof the principles of the invention as illustrated therein arecontemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to whichthe invention relates.

One embodiment of the present invention includes a basketball goalreturn net and a mounting system for mounting the basketball return netto a basketball goal assembly. The mounting system may be used withvarious styles and sizes of basketball goal assemblies. The mountingsystem secures a net to a basketball goal assembly. The system suspendsthe net and may also inhibit side-to-side or lateral movement. Incertain embodiments, an elongate member passes through a sleeve of thereturn net, the sleeve being formed at the top of the return net. Themounting system includes one or more straps extending from the net andattachable to a hoop mount. The straps can be attached adjacent the endsof the elongate member to the outer surface of the sleeve or directly tothe elongate member. The straps are preferably attached at a middleportion or at an opposing end to the hoop mount, for example with a hookand loop fastener system. The net serves to capture and/or return abasketball to a thrower.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a basketball goal return netmounting system 10. System 10 connects a flexible return net 12 to aconventional basketball goal assembly, such as basketball goal assembly14. The basketball goal assembly may be fixed or portable. The assemblygenerally includes a conventional vertical support element such as around or square pole, and a backboard assembly including a backboard anda hoop in front of the pole. The backboard assembly can be fixedly oradjustably mounted to the vertical support element using various meansknown to those skilled in the art. The backboard assembly canalternately be suspended from a wall or ceiling.

Basketball goal assembly 14 includes a conventional backboard assembly15. In one embodiment, backboard assembly 15 includes a backboard 16with a surrounding frame 17. Basketball goal assembly 14 preferablyincludes a basketball goal hoop 19 mounted to the front face of abackboard assembly 15 via a bracket or hoop mount 20. Hoop bracket 20may allow the hoop to pivot during use, for example with a biased pivothinge. A scoring net is typically suspended from the hoop.

For convenience, directional references to front refer to the side ofthe backboard upon which the hoop is mounted and forward is thedirection extending towards the playing area. Rear refers to the side orface of the backboard opposite the hoop and rearward is a directionextending behind the backboard, opposite to forward. Inward refers todirections from the respective side edges towards the center of thebackboard, and outward extends from the center towards and beyond theedges.

In a preferred embodiment, system 10 attaches net 12 to hoop bracket 20of backboard assembly 15. Referring to FIGS. 1-2, system 10 includes anelongate member, such as a bar 18, to carry net 12. The elongate membermay be solid or hollow. As illustrated, in certain embodiments bar 18 isa pole, extending substantially horizontally along a sleeve 40 formed inan upper end of the net from one side or edge to another. The length ofthe elongate member is preferably equal to or less than the width of thebackboard assembly; however, a length greater than the width is analternative.

The elongate member, such as bar 18, preferably has a length equal to orslightly longer than the width of the upper end of net 12. In analternative embodiment, the net may be compressed or gathered so thatthe effective width of the upper end of the net is equal to or less thanthe length of the elongate member.

An upper end of the net 12 defines a sleeve 40. The sleeve closure canbe fixed, such as by sewing. Alternatively, the sleeve on the upper endcan be defined using various closure or surrounding methods as wouldoccur to one skilled in the art, examples include a zipper, snaps,straps, laces or Velcro® hook and loop fasteners. In the illustratedembodiment, the bar passes through the sleeve to carry the net. Thesleeve can be held from sliding relative to the bar by a snug sizecausing a friction fit, end caps or retaining pieces which secure thesleeve in place by passing through or around the sleeve and/or bar. Theretaining pieces can be a temporary or permanent limiting member such asa cotter pin, a clip, a bolt, a screw, a peg, a clamp or a plastic piecesuch as a zip tie. In an alternate embodiment, the retaining member is abiased button or stud which resiliently extends from the elongatemember's interior to engage the sleeve.

FIG. 2 illustrates system 10 with basketball hoop 19 not shown forclarity. System 10 includes a mounting base 25 secured on hoop bracket20. If hoop mount 20 includes a pivot for the hoop, preferably themounting base is mounted on the pivoting piece or allows or compensatesfor any pivoting movement. In certain preferred embodiments, base 25 isa piece from a hook and loop fastener, such as a Velcro® brand fastener.

System 10 is illustrated with straps 26 and 27 extending from net 12 andattachable to the hoop bracket, for example by securing the inward ends30 and 31 (FIG. 3) to base 25. In certain preferred embodiments, outerends 28 and 29 of straps 26 and 27, respectively, are sewn to the net 12adjacent opposing outward edges of net 12 adjacent the opposing ends 13of bar 18. The straps can be pre-secured to the net or alternatelysecured bar during manufacture or during the assembly and mountingprocess. It should be appreciated that the straps can be attached to thenet or the opposing ends of the elongate member in various other mannersand locations along the sleeve or member length as would occur to oneskilled in the art examples of attachment mechanisms include buckles,clips, hooks, clamps, knots, or mechanical retaining pieces. A wide orspaced apart attachment substantially adjacent the outer ends ispreferred for stability.

FIG. 3 is an exploded cross-sectional view of one embodiment of thesystem at hoop bracket 20, with the hoop, backboard and mounting detailsomitted for clarity. In the embodiment illustrated, mounting base 25 isattached to an upper plate, for example a pivot plate, of hoop bracket20. It is contemplated that the base is secured to the hoop bracket inany appropriate manner as would generally occur to one skilled in theart, such as via adhesive material. Other examples include mechanicalfasteners such as clamps, bolts, screws or mounting brackets.

Mounting base 25 can extend along the entire width or less of hoopbracket 20. As illustrated, mounting base 25 includes an upper surface25 a. Upper surface 25 a includes one portion of a hook and loopfastener pairing, such as Velcro® fasteners. Strap 26 includes an inwardend portion 30 with lower surface 26 a and upper surface 26 b. Strap 27includes an inward end portion 31 with lower surface 27 a and uppersurface 27 b. Preferably, mating portions of the hook and loop fastenersextend in lengths adjacent the inward ends 30 and 31 to allow strap 26and strap 27 to be selectively secured to the mounting base 25.

In certain embodiments, hook and loop fastener portions are mounted onsurfaces 26 a, 26 b and 27 a to allow lower surface 26 b to mate withupper surface 25 a, and to allow upper surface 26 b to mate with lowersurface 27 a. In a slight alteration, upper surface 27 b can optionallyalso include a hook and loop fastener portion to reversibly allow strap27 to be attached to base 25 and strap 26 be positioned on top of strap27.

In an alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the strap inwardends 30 and 31 are placed side by side and both are secured to a basepiece 25′. In this embodiment, lower sides 26 a′ and 27 a′ each havefastener portions which are securable to base piece 25′.

Additionally, it should be appreciated that the straps and base can beattached differently to the backboard assembly, including being mountedto backboard 16. In certain embodiments, the straps can be shorter orlonger in length to allow for placement of the net at varying heights orto support longer or shorter elongate members. Optionally, the strapscan include hook and loop fasteners throughout a length of the straps,allowing for height adjustability of the net.

Alternate system 100 is illustrated in FIG. 5. System 100 includes abackboard assembly 15 with a bracket or hoop mount 120. Elongate member118 is substantially horizontal and extends through a sleeve in theupper end of net 112. End caps 119 enclose and capture the ends 113 ofelongate member 118. Straps 126 and 127 have outward ends 128 and 129secured to end caps 119. The inner ends of straps 126 and 127 aresecurable to hoop mount 120. Elongate member 118 has a lengthapproximately equal to the width of the backboard assembly 15. The widthof net 112 is illustrated as less than the length of elongate member118.

In certain embodiments, such as in system 10, the end caps are optional.The protective caps are illustrated as capturing an end of the elongatemember by enclosing it, which also provides weather protection andblunts the edges. However, the caps can be secured to the end portionswithout complete enclosure. In one embodiment, the caps have a snug,friction fit to the end portions. Alternately, the caps are secured inplace with a retaining piece.

The optional end caps, in one embodiment, can include round, soft tips.In another embodiment, the end caps can include arrow shaped tips.Additionally, the end caps can be made of a substantially plasticmaterial. However, it should be appreciated that the end caps can bemade of other suitable materials, such as rubber.

In certain less preferred embodiments, one continuous strap is usedinstead of separate straps. The one continuous strap can be attached tothe hoop bracket in various manners, including through the use of hookand loop fasteners or bracket assemblies. In preferred alternativeembodiments, the one continuous strap is maintained at a position on thehoop bracket, preventing forward and side-to-side movement of the returnnet. As an example, the one continuous strap can be received in a troughor channel mounted to or by the hoop bracket, and friction or anothermounting mechanism, such as a mechanical fastener or clamp, can be usedto prevent side-to-side movement of the strap.

Preferably the straps are selectively and releaseably securable to allowsimple and optionally quick release mounting and disengaging of the netassembly, preferably without tools. In other alternative embodiments,fasteners such as snaps or laces are used to connect the straps and toretain the straps in position. In further alternative embodiments,fasteners such as retaining clips or buckles are mounted to thebackboard assembly, bar or net and are connectable to straps to retainthe net assembly in position. The buckles can be plastic or metal. Incertain alternative embodiments, one or more straps are fixedly mountedto a hoop bracket and can be selectively connected to the return net atone or both ends of the strap(s). A still further alternative embodimentinvolves the use of studs or pins connected to a mount or backboardassembly, with holes, optionally with metal eyelets, in the strap(s)selectively placed over the studs.

The straps and/or the net can be composed of nylon, leather, plastic, orsynthetic materials, or other such material compositions that enableperformance of the functions stated herein. The sleeve of the net can beone continuous passage, or a series of passages such as loops ofmaterial. Additionally, the elongate member can be made of a plastic,metal, or wood material, or other such material compositions that enableperformance of the functions stated herein.

The elongate member is shown with a circular cross-section, althoughother cross-sections, such as square, oval or rectangular may be used asdesired. In other embodiments, the member can be longer or shorterand/or can include telescopic or fixed length extension members orsections to provide for extension and reduction of the member length tocorrespond to various backboard assembly and return net sizes. In otherembodiments, the elongate member can have a smaller or largercross-section. Further, in yet other embodiments, the member is flexibleto permit flexing of the member during mounting, and is biased to unbendto a return length and to then be retained in place.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 through 3, the overall operation ofuniversal basketball goal return net mounting system 10 is as follows.The elongate member, such as bar 18, is advanced through the sleeve 40of the return net 12 or the end is wrapped around the bar and closed toform a sleeve. Base 25 is attached to hoop mount 20. An outward end 28of at least one strap, such as strap 26, is secured substantiallyadjacent an end 13 of bar 18 with net 12. An inward end 30 of strap 26is secured to base 25, for example with surface 26 a mating with surface25 a. In a two-strap arrangement, an outward end 29 of a second strap,such as strap 27, is secured substantially adjacent an end 13 of bar 18.An inward end 31 of strap 27 is secured to the mounting base 25, forexample with surface 26 b mating with surface 27 a.

The lower end of the net 12 can hang loose or be held in position bywater or sand bags or another such weighting or bracing mechanism asdesired. During use, a basketball which lands on the net will be urgedin a desired direction depending on how the net is oriented. Theelongate member, stops and net may move or sway due to an impact, yetpreferably are inhibited from lateral movement and return to a standardposition.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in thedrawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered asillustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood thatonly the preferred embodiments have been shown and described and thatall changes and modifications that come within the spirit of theinvention are desired to be protected.

1. A mounting system for mounting a basketball return net to abasketball goal assembly, comprising: an elongate member with opposingend portions; a net have opposing side edges wherein said net issuspendable from said elongate member; and, a pair of mounting straps,each strap having an outward end engagable adjacent an end of theelongate member, and each strap having an inward end securable to a hoopmount of a backboard assembly of a basketball goal.
 2. The mountingsystem of claim 1, wherein said outward ends of said mounting straps areengagable to said opposing end portions of said elongate member.
 3. Themounting system of claim 1, wherein said outward ends of said mountingstraps are engagable to said net substantially adjacent said opposingedge portions.
 4. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein said inwardends are releaseably securable to the hoop mount.
 5. The mounting systemof claim 4, wherein said inward ends are securable to the hoop mountwith hook and loop fasteners.
 6. A basketball goal assembly, comprising:a. a backboard defining a front face; b. a basketball hoop bracketmounted to said front face; c. an elongate member having opposing endportions; d. a net suspended from said elongate member; e. at least onestrap extending from at least one of said opposing end portions to oversaid basketball hoop bracket; and, f. means for securing said at leastone strap to said basketball hoop bracket.
 7. The assembly of claim 6,comprising a pair of straps, wherein each said strap has an outward endsecured substantially adjacent one of said elongate member end portions.8. The assembly of claim 6, wherein said outward ends are secured tosaid net.
 9. The assembly of claim 6, wherein each said strap has aninward end secured to said basketball hoop bracket.
 10. The assembly ofclaim 6, wherein said means for securing comprises hook and loopfasteners.
 11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein said means for securinginhibits said strap from moving laterally with respect to saidbasketball hoop.
 12. The assembly of claim 6, wherein said means forsecuring includes a selectively releaseable portion located at least atone location along the length of said at least one strap.
 13. Abasketball goal assembly, comprising: a. a backboard defining a frontface; b. a basketball hoop mounted to said front face; c. an elongatemember having opposing end portions; d. a net suspended from saidelongate member; e. at least one strap extending from adjacent to atleast one of said opposing end portions to over said basketball hoop;and, f. wherein said at least one strap is releaseably secured to saidbasketball hoop.
 14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein said at least onestrap is releaseably secured to said basketball hoop with hook and loopfasteners.
 15. The assembly of claim 14, wherein said hook and loopfasteners include one portion mounted to said basketball hoop and amating portion mounted to one face of said at least one strap.
 16. Theassembly of claim 14, comprising a second strap extending from adjacentto the second opposing end portion of said elongate member andselectively mounted to said basketball hoop.
 17. The assembly of claim16, wherein said second strap is selectively mounted to said basketballhoop with hook and loop fasteners.
 18. The assembly of claim 17, whereinsaid hook and loop fasteners include one portion mounted to saidbasketball hoop and a mating portion mounted to one face of said secondstrap.
 19. The assembly of claim 17, wherein said hook and loopfasteners include one portion mounted to said at least one strap and amating portion mounted to said second strap.